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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

For the life of me I can't remember why the Vatican would have an Apostolic Visitation regarding American religious.

Dear Members of Congress:

We write to urge you to cast a life-affirming “yes” vote when the Senate health care bill (H.R. 3590) comes to the floor of the House for a vote as early as this week. We join the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), which represents 1,200 Catholic sponsors, systems, facilities and related organizations, in saying: the time is now for health reform AND the Senate bill is a good way forward.

As the heads of major Catholic women’s religious order in the United States, we represent 59,000 Catholic Sisters in the United States who respond to needs of people in many ways. Among our other ministries we are responsible for running many of our nation’s hospital systems as well as free clinics throughout the country.

Oh wait, now I remember.

I would like to be able to ask LCWR and CHA if the bill does pass and taxpayer money funds abortion - what they will do in response? Sack cloth and ashes doesn't look good with polyester suits and sensible shoes. I guess we would get the same apology pro-Obama Catholics give for this radically pro-abortion President - no apology at all.

Of course every country except the small majority Catholic country of Malta that had socialized medicine went on to subsidize abortion. But that couldn't happen here - well besides it already happening in the District of Washington D.C. and of course the money that goes to Planned Parenthood (money is fungible people).

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, urges priests, deacons, religious, and seminarians to speak up for their flocks on health care. The USCCB urges the House of Representatives to vote no on the pro-abortion health care plan and Fr. Pavone provides useful tips on how clergy can lobby so that their representatives count their voices against pro-abortion health care reform.

Nebraska got the 'Cornhusker Kickback', Louisiana got the 'Louisiana Purchase', but all it took for little Dennis Kucinich to suport a bill that will bankrupt this country and expand abortion is a ride with Barry on Air Force One.

U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich waited until Democrats had won last November's health care reform vote before casting his ballot against it on the House of Representatives floor.

This time around -- pressured by everyone from President Obama to Moveon.org -- the Cleveland Democrat had no luxury to dawdle before taking a stance. He just announced at a Capitol news conference that he'll vote yes on the bill's latest draft.

"I have doubts about the bill," Kucinich said. "This is not the bill I wanted to support. . . However, after careful discussions with President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, my wife Elizabeth and close friends, I’ve decided to cast a vote in favor of the legislation."

After several concerted attempts by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to persuade the leadership of Congress to exclude federal funding for elective abortions as part of the health care reform bill, we have received word that these leaders have formally rejected our moral position and will attempt to push the Senate version of the bill through Congress in the coming days.

This is a grave disappointment and we come to you in union with all the Catholic bishops of the United States asking you to contact your legislators to oppose this funding.There have been some misleading comments in the media about whether or not the Senate version of the bill allows federal funds to be expended for elective abortion. We wish to make it clear that this version of the bill does fund elective abortions with federal tax dollars. Please see an advisory that has appeared from the USCCB on this issue for verification: www.usccb.org/healthcare/030410facts.pdf.
We ask you to contact your two Senators and your Congressional Representative as soon as possible to express your opposition to federal tax dollars being used to fund elective abortions as part of health care reform. You will find information on how to contact your legislators by going to: www.usccb.org/healthcare/UPDATED-bulletin-insert.pdf. This website provides you with a way to contact your legislators by e-mail or phone. It also provides you with a sample message you may use.Time is of the essence. Votes in the Senate and House are expected at any time. We are grateful for your efforts and prayers.Sincerely yours in Christ,Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge Bishop of Raleigh